Agoraphobia

About one in three people with a panic disorder also develop agoraphobia—a fear of public places such as sports arenas or shopping malls, open spaces (parks, beaches), public transportation or other sites where there may be crowds and where immediate escape is not possible or help for a panic attack may not be readily available.

They avoid the place or places where they first suffered a panic attack. Or, the panic attack sufferer may halt all activities that seem to trigger the attacks such as driving, riding in elevators or going to the grocery store.

Sometimes this anxiety becomes so intense, sufferers may eventually refuse to leave home.